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Beagle

When Do Beagles Shed?

At A Glance

Beagles will shed their coat before every spring and winter season. They shed thicker coats in favor of lighter coats for summer and shed summer coats for heavier ones in winter.

Beagles will also shed their coats for reasons other than seasonal changes.

Last Updated on: Jul 16, 2022




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If you’re adopting a Beagle, one of the questions on your mind might be, when do Beagles shed?

They shed around the beginning of spring and winter. At the beginning of spring, Beagles will shed their winter coat to don thinner, lightweight coats. Beagles will shed their summer coat for a thicker fur jacket as wintertime comes.

When Do Beagles Shed?

Beagles may shed due to natural or unnatural causes. In this guide, we’ve made a list of all the possible reasons behind a Beagles’ shedding.

Let’s explore these causes in detail.

Early Stages

The first cause of Beagle coat shedding is growing up. When most dogs grow from puppies to adults, they shed their ‘puppy coat.’

Beagles will typically start shedding as early as 3 months of age. This process might take up to a year, depending on the shedding type.

Some Beagle puppies’ fur might come out in patches while others’ might come out in barely noticeable strands.

Seasonal Shedding

Just how you shop for winter wear to prepare for the cold, your dog needs to adjust to the changes in weather too. This process is also known as a ‘coat blow.’

Beagles shed their coats seasonally, twice a year. The reason behind this shedding? To keep their bodies warm and cool as the weather demands it.

The first shedding happens at the beginning of spring as Beagles shed their thick winter coat for a lighter one.

The second shedding will occur at the beginning of winter. You will find your Beagle exchanging its summer coat for a thick one to prepare itself for winter.

Note that changes in temperature or lighting in the house will also affect shedding. That’s why some owners find their Beagles shedding off-season.

Also Read: Are Beagles Hypoallergenic?

beagle with fir shedding

Stress

So, you thought stress could only cause hair fall in humans? Dogs get stressed, too. And it can be a reason why they unnaturally shed.

How do you know your dog is under stress?

Allergies

Another cause of fur loss is allergies.

Your dog can be allergic to anything, from pollen to fleas and seasons to perfumes!

If you think that your Beagle has an allergy, visit a veterinarian for an allergy check to rule out possible causes. Then make sure to scavenge your house for allergic products.

Jeff Levy, DVM, says, “It’s vital to pay close attention to our pet’s health when it is young.”

He reiterated that identifying illnesses such as allergies is essential for providing preventive treatments.

sick beagle

Underlying Health Issues

Some of the health issues that can cause fur loss in your dog include:

  • Allergic Dermatitis
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Acanthosis Nigricans
  • Alopecia
  • Dermatomyositis

 

Don’t know the health issues you should watch out for?

Visiting a veterinarian should do the trick. A professional will screen your dog for all possible health issues and skin infections.

Poor Quality Shampoo/ Products

You may think buying the first dog shampoo you see is enough to take care of your dog’s fur. Before buying one, consider the ingredients that a dog shampoo has.

Poor quality shampoos might be the cause of shedding. If you’re not sure of a product’s safety, try doing a patch test first. You can also ask your veterinarian for suggestions before buying dog grooming products.

Note that dog shampoo is very different from human shampoo. Remember, dog fur is different from human hair.

beagle eating

Nutritional Deficiencies

Malnourishment can be a significant cause of hair fall in dogs. It is not always from lack of food. It may also be because your dog’s not getting the proper diet that matches its nutritional requirements.

Is your Beagle getting all the necessary nutrients from its diet alone?

Ask your veterinarian if your dog’s diet is an issue. Take note of changes you can make to help your dog recover.

However, that’s not where your job ends. You also need to make sure your Beagle is finishing its meals.

We’ve discussed the possible causes of shedding, and some of them were pretty serious and had unnatural causes. When the shedding is far from normal, we’ve got some management tips.

A Beagle’s physical features evolved from their hunting skills, giving them their dense weather and waterproof double coat.

beagle sitting on a couch

Do Beagles Shed a Lot?

Beagles aren’t known to shed a lot, but this may differ from one dog to another.

Do Beagles Shed in Clumps?

No, Beagles aren’t known to shed in clumps. However, they may sometimes bite or scratch their bodies to get the fleas and ticks off, causing hair to fall out in clumps.

If your dog’s hair is falling off of its own, then you may want to take it seriously.

Beagle sitting on a couch

When Should You Worry Over Your Beagle’s Shedding?

Worried something else might be the cause of your Beagle’s excessive shedding?

Here are a few things to look out for in addition to shedding.

  • Inflamed skin
  • Itchy skin
  • Hair falling out in patches
  • Liquid oozing
  • Sores
  • Excessive dandruff
  • Flaky skin
  • Rashes
  • Dry skin
  • Red skin
  • Bald spots

 

Also Read: How Much Exercise Does A Beagle Need Each Day?

How to Manage or Keep Beagle Shedding Low?

Regular Brushing

Brush your Beagle’s fur 1-2 times a week throughout the year and more frequently during the shedding seasons.

Regularly brushing your Beagles’ fur will help loosen the strands, allowing the hair to fall out now and not much later. It also promotes proper blood circulation to the skin.

Will Shaving Prevent My Beagle’s Fur From Shedding?

No.

Shaving does not prevent shedding. Shaving your dog’s fur does more harm to your dog than good.

Dog fur grows as it adapts to its growth and environment changes. By interfering with the process, you’re risking your dog’s health.

Here’s what Joe Bartges, professor of medicine and nutrition at the University of Tennessee’s College of Veterinary Medicine, says about dog shedding, “Shedding is a natural process that allows for loss of older and often dead hair so that new hair can grow in.”

beagle running

Regular Exercise

Beagles are hunting breeds, and they require at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily. If you’re not giving it this level of exercise, you’re risking its health.

Also Read: How Much Exercise Does A Beagle Need Each Day?

Regular Bathing

Bathing strips their skin of its natural oils, which is why you shouldn’t bathe your Beagle too often.

Bathe your Beagle once every 8 weeks. This time frame allows your dog’s skin to adapt to the schedule. Bathe them more often, and you risk giving your Beagle dry and itchy skin.

Deshedding Tools

These include special slicker brushes and wide-toothed combs that help remove your dog’s fur right before it falls.

Deshedding tools are best used during shedding seasons as this is the time when your dog’s hair is ready to fall out.

beagle eating

Diet Watch

You’re already keeping an eye on the dietary needs of your Beagle. But what if your dog is feasting on a meal without your knowledge?

Is your dog eating something when they do their morning walks to the neighborhood?

Follow your dog if you think its diet has sources other than what you’ve prescribed.

Regular Visits to the Vet

Preventing disease is better than having to treat it. And why make your dog go through all that pain anyway?

Schedule regular clinic visits and have your veterinarian check your Beagle’s health, weight, fur, skin, etc.

Beagles are strong, loving, and active dogs that’ll do well in most climates with their double coat. With a layer to protect and a layer to warm, they’ve got all the traits a hunting breed should need. And they don’t even shed much!

when do beagles shed

If you’re worried about your beagle pups’ excessive shedding, wait a few months. It might just be a puppy coat! And if you’ve got an older dog on hand, use our guide to strike out possible causes. If the shedding persists, don’t hesitate to visit the vet!

Thinking of adopting a dog that doesn’t shed much? The beagle is a safe option to go with.

 

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Meet Paul, a devoted dog dad to the delightful French Bulldog, Cofi. With a flair for humor and a deep understanding of Frenchie quirks, Paul brings a lighthearted touch to his writings. His relatable stories and practical insights are a blend of laughter and valuable advice and resonate with fellow dog owners.


Through his words, Paul aims to celebrate the joys and challenges of being a dedicated pet parent, reminding you that life is simply better with a four-legged, snorting sidekick by your side.